The stretcher was brought.
"Get on to this, Truax. Don't think of attempting to walk," ordered the surgeon. "Sentry, I am taking your prisoner to the sick bay. I'll make proper report of my action to the lieutenant commander."
The "sick bay" is the hospital part of a warship. It is a place provided with wide, comfortable berths and all the appliances for taking good care of ill men. Sam Truax was carefully placed in one of the berths. He was the only patient there at the time.
Doctor McCrea frequently felt the fellow's pulse, then ran a hand lightly over Sam's face, forehead and temples.
"You might tell me what's the matter with me, Doc," protested Truax.
"Oh, you'll be all right," replied the doctor, evasively.
"When?"
"Oh, in a few days, anyway."
"What have I got? A fever?"
"Now, don't ask questions, my man. Just lie quietly, and let us get you on your feet as soon as possible."